Connector for portable devices and methods for using the same

ABSTRACT

Apparatus and methods for attaching a portable device to an object are described. The apparatus comprises a connector that can be used to connect a portable device (or an accessory thereof) to a retention mechanism that is retained to an object. As well, the connector can be used with a new type of attachment device by modifying that attachment device to accept the connector. Thus, the connector can be used with both the new attachment device and the conventional retention mechanisms.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to apparatus for portable devices and methods for using the same. More particularly, the invention relates to connectors that are used in connecting a portable device to a specific location or a specific object, such as a user.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

By their nature, portable devices (especially portable electronic devices) are meant to be carried by a user in a hand. Often, however, the user would like to connect the portable device to a specific location (usually to an object) and have it remain there until it is removed. This situation often occurs with portable telephones, such as wireless or cellular telephones, where a user attaches the wireless telephone to a retention mechanism on a belt until the telephone is needed (i.e., when someone calls the user).

There are currently several retention mechanisms that are used to connect portable devices to an object. Examples of the retention mechanisms include clips and holsters. The clips and holsters are usually attached to the belt of a user and retain the portable device to the belt. When the portable device is removed from the belt, the retention mechanism (i.e., holster or clip) stays on the belt.

Several devices are currently used to connect the portable device to the retention mechanism. Examples of these connection devices include those described in some of U.S. Pat. Nos.: 1,724,003; 2,830,478; 3,142,933; 3,146,925; 3,148,883; 3,307,754; 3,970,228; 4,157,166; 4,306,434; 4,319,384; 4,658,479; 4,993,613; 5,077,850; 5,414,596; 5,499,429; 5,540,367; 5,622,296; 5,727,290; 5,729,870; 5,730,342; 5,752,632; 5,779,115; 5,806,146; 5,850,996; 5,893,497; 5,906,031; 5,946,839; 5,983,686; 5,988,577; 5,955,700; 5,996,184; 6,006,969; 6,015,073; 6,062,521; 6,076,789; 6,173,875; 6,200,056; 6,223,402; 6,225,777; 6,233,788; 6,279,362; 6,352,186; 6,357,641; 6,364,184; 6,401,504; 6,427,293; 6,439,017; 6,481,058; 6,540,122; 6,550,108; 6,567,651; 6,606,769; 6,626,333; 6,626,336; 6,729,512; 6733,153; 6,742,685; 6,752,305; 6,790,046; and U.S. Published Application Nos. 2002/0030071; 2003/0064751; 2003/0075576; 2003/0094561; 2003/0111496; 2003/0127477; 2003/0233736; 2004/0029623; 2004/0050123; 2004/0069821; 2004/0069822; 2004/0069823; 2004/0069824; 2004/0124220; 2004/0129745; 2004/0200872; 2004/0232180; 2004/0204169; 2004/0251286; the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.

One example of a conventional connection device (or connector) is depicted in FIG. 1. In this Figure, a conventional retention mechanism (i.e., clip 1) is retained to a belt (not shown). The portable phone 100 is partially enclosed within a case 3. When the connector 4 which is mounted to the case 3 (containing the portable phone 100) is pushed into recess 7 of the clip 1, the pin 5 engages the connector 4 and locks the connector 4 within the clip 1. The connector (with case and portable phone) is released by pushing on lever 6, thereby withdrawing the pin 5 from the connector and allowing the portable phone to be removed from the clip.

A new type of attachment device is the subject of co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. Nos. 10/941,662 and 11/103,275, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. This new type of attachment device easily and quickly attaches (and removes) the portable device directly to (and from) an object, but cannot be used with the conventional connectors and retention mechanisms described above.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to apparatus and methods for attaching a portable device to an object. The apparatus comprises a connector that can be used to connect a portable device (or an accessory thereof) to a retention mechanism that is retained to an object. As well, the connector can be used with a new type of attachment device by modifying that attachment device to accept the connector. Thus, the connector can be used with both the new attachment device and the conventional retention mechanisms.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The following description of the invention can be understood in light of the Figures, in which:

FIG. 1 depict a conventional connector and retention mechanism that are used to attach a portable device to an object;

FIG. 2 illustrates an example of a connector;

FIGS. 3-5 depict the connector of FIG. 2 being used with a portable device and accessories of the portable device;

FIG. 6 shows an example of the attachment device described in the co-pending applications;

FIGS. 7-9 depict the attachment device of FIG. 6 attached to a portable device;

FIGS. 10 and 11 depict uses of the attachment device of FIG. 6;

FIGS. 12-13 depict the operation of the attachment device of FIG. 6

FIGS. 15 and 16 show additional uses of the attachment device of FIG. 6; and

FIGS. 17-20 show an example of the attachment device that has been modified to work with the connector of FIG. 2.

The Figures presented in conjunction with this description are views of only particular—rather than complete—portions of the devices and methods of making and using the devices according to the invention. Together with the following description, the Figures demonstrate and explain the principles of the invention. In the Figures, the thickness of layers and regions may be exaggerated for clarity. The same reference numerals in different drawings represent the same element, and thus their descriptions will be omitted.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The following description provides specific details in order to provide a thorough understanding of the invention. The skilled artisan, however, would understand that the invention can be practiced without employing these specific details. Indeed, the invention can be practiced by modifying the illustrated device and can be used in conjunction with apparatus and techniques conventionally used in the industry. The invention described below deals primarily with portable telephones like wireless and cellular telephones. The invention, however, could be modified for any other portable electronic devices, such as two-way radios, mp3 players, pagers, stop watches, time pieces, remote controls, flashlights and the like. Indeed, the invention could be used for any non-electronic portable device, such as a wallet, coin purse, key ring, key chain, tools (like a tape measure), security or ID cards. As well, the invention is primarily described for attaching such devices to an object (like a retention mechanism on a belt of a user), but could be attached to different objects that can be designed to accept the connector.

As described above, the invention includes dual-use connectors for attaching portable devices to an object. The connectors can be first used to connect a portable device (or its accessory) to a conventional retention mechanism (that is optionally modified to accept the connector) at any desired location of an object. As well, the connectors can also be used with a new type of attachment device to connect the portable device to an object.

Any connector (or connector device) with these characteristics can be used, including the connector depicted in the Figures and described below. In FIG. 2, a connector 30 comprises a first front portion (or head) 32, a cylindrical portion (or neck) 34, a second portion (or shoulder) 36, an optional spacer portion (or spacer) 38, and an optional base 40. Each of these components can be manufactured using any suitable method or material known in the art.

The connector 30 can be used with a portable device 100 to attach the portable device to a retention mechanism that is located on an object (such as a user's belt). To use the connector 30 in this manner, the base 40 of the connector 30 can be attached to the portable device 100. Accordingly, the base 40 can be configured to substantially match the surface of the portable device 100 to which it is attached. Generally, such surfaces are substantially flat and so the rear surface of the base 40 is also substantially flat. But where the surface of the portable device is not flat (such as a convex or concave shape), the base 40 can be configured with a substantially matching shape for the rear surface. While the base 40 is illustrated as a substantially rectangular plate, any shape or size can be used for the base 40 that can be connected or attached to the desired location of the portable device.

The base 40 can be permanently or removably attached to the portable device 100. The base can be permanently attached by any means known in the art, such as molding, bonding, or mechanical capture. The base 40 can also be removably attached by any known means, such as by a friction fit, a snap fit, a screw, or adhesive. As well, the portable device 100 could be configured so that the base could be slid into a recess in the device 100 that has been designed to receive the base 40. Optionally, the portable device 100 could be used as the base of the connector, with the rest of the components of the connector being permanently or removably attached.

The optional spacer 38 of the connector 30 can be used to help provide the separation needed between the second portion of the connector 30 and the portable device (or its accessory). Generally, the thickness of the spacer can range from about 0 to about 0.25 inches. The spacer 38 can have any desired shape or size consistent with this separation function but, in some aspects, should not be smaller in diameter than the shoulder 36. Examples of shapes for the spacer 38 that can be used include polygons, stars and substantially circular.

The connector 30 can be located on any desired portion of the portable device 100 that does not interfere with the operation of the portable device. Where the portable device is a cellular phone, the connector is usually located on the back of the phone as shown in FIGS. 3-5. The connector, however, could be attached to the bottom, sides, and even the front of the portable device if desired.

The connector 30 need not be directly attached to the portable device 100. In some instances, the connector 30 can be attached to an auxiliary component or an accessory of the portable device. Examples of such auxiliary components and accessories include a battery, a battery cover, a case or pouch, or a holster designed to accept the portable device. In FIG. 3, the auxiliary component comprises a battery cover 103 of the portable device 100. In FIG. 4, the auxiliary component comprises the carrying case 3 of a cellular telephone. In yet another example, the connector 30 can be connected to the holster 9 as shown in FIG. 5.

Once attached to the portable device 100 or accessory, the connector 30 is then used to help connect the portable device to a retention mechanism that has been optionally configured to accept the connector. For example, where the retention mechanism is substantially similar to the clip 1 depicted in FIG. 1, the portable device 100 is attached to the object by placing the first portion containing head 32 in the corresponding recess 7 in the clip 1. The head 32 slips down until it is engaged by the pin 5, at which point it is retained within the clip 1 by the pin 5. The connector (and portable device) is released by pushing on lever 6 or any similar mechanism to withdraw the pin 5 from the head 32, allowing the portable device to be removed from the clip 1. Of course, the retention mechanism could be configured with other mechanisms that work to retain (and release) head 32 in a similar manner.

The connector 30 can also be used in a similar manner with a new type of attachment device to connect the portable device to an object. This new type of attachment device is described in co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. Nos. 10/941,662 and 11/103,275. This new type of attachment device can be attached to a portable device and then used—without a connector or retention mechanism—to keep the portable device on the desired location of the object (such as the user's belt).

Briefly, the attachment device 80 comprises a hooking means (such as hook 82) and a base means (such as a base 81) as shown in FIGS. 6-9. The base 81 of the attachment device 80 is connected to the portable device 100 (or a component or an accessory) and serves as the anchor for the hook 82. The first portion (A) of the hook 82 is connected to the base 81. The second portion (B) and third portion (C) of the hook 82 are used to attach the portable device 100 to an object via a hooking action.

An example of this hooking action is depicted in FIG. 10, where the second portion B and the third portion C of the hook of the device 80 holds the portable device 100 to the belt loop 15 of a user. As depicted in FIG. 11, the attachment device 80 also allows a user to hold the portable device 100 in their hand during use, with added security from accidental dropping than can be provided by merely using the hand.

The portable device 100 can be attached to an object by moving the third portion C of the hook 82 (also referred to as the free end) away from the portable device 100 (as shown in FIGS. 12-14). This action creates an opening 84, or enlarges an existing opening. The third portion C of the hook 82 can then be inserted through a part of the object, such as through a belt loop. When the third portion C of the hook 82 is released, it returns to its original position and closes the opening 84. In this position, the portable device 100 hangs from the object from the second (or curved) portion B of the hooking means as shown in FIG. 10. To remove the portable device 100, the process is reversed. In another aspect, the second portion B of the hooking means can just be slipped over an object (such as a finger) without moving the free end of the hooking means, as shown in FIG. 11.

The attachment device 80 can be used to attach and retain a portable device 100 to any given location on an object that is capable of accepting it. Examples of such objects are the clothes of a user (belt, belt loop, pocket . . . ), a knob, a loop, a hole, a hook, a ring, a peg, a post, a finger or the specially designed hanger 16 depicted in FIGS. 15-16. Thus, the hooking means can be captured (or be retained) by many types of objects, or a portion of an object, and remain secured until intentionally removed by a user.

The attachment device 80 can be adapted to a variety of different portable devices. It can be configured to suit a specific end use (such as a specific model of wireless telephone) and still retain the functionality of the invention. As well, it can be configured to be used with a wide array of portable devices of different sizes, shapes, and weights.

But the attachment 80 device does not allow a user to employ the conventional retention mechanisms, which can be useful in certain situations. Accordingly, the attachment device 80 has been modified so that it can be used with the connector 30. Such a configuration allows a portable device containing the connector 30 to be attached both to a conventional retention mechanism and the attachment device.

FIG. 17 illustrates how the attachment device 80 has been modified to work with the connector 30. In FIG. 17, the modified attachment device 180 contains an opening 85 within the base 81 through which the connector 30 can be inserted. The base 81 of the attachment device 180 is also modified to create a key seat 87.

FIG. 18 illustrates how the attachment device 180, connector 30, and portable device 100 can be used together. The base 40 of the connector is attached to the portable device 100 (or an accessory) thereof. The opening 85 of the attachment device 180 fits over the head 32 and neck 34 of the connector 30 and engages the shoulder 36 of the connector 30. The shape of the opening 85 is therefore configured to be substantially similar to—and slightly larger than—the shape of the shoulder 36. As depicted in FIGS. 17 and 18, the opening 85 is configured with an octagonal inner surface to match the octagonal outer surface of the shoulder 36. The octagonal shape is advantageous because—when used with an appropriate retaining mechanism—it can allow a user to set and hold the rotational position of the portable device relative to the retaining mechanism. While an octagonal shape can be used, any shape which acts to lock the rotation of the portable device in relation to the attachment device 180 can be used. Examples of shapes that can be used for the shoulder 36 and opening 85 include polygonal, oblong, ellipsoidal, stars, teeth or other shapes that are not circular.

The attachment device 180 will not, by itself, remain seated on the connector 30 when the opening 85 is mated with the shoulder 36. Thus, as shown in FIG. 18, any suitable securing means is used to keep the attachment device 180 secured on the connector as depicted in FIG. 20. An example of that securing means comprises clip or key 20.

As shown in FIGS. 17-18, the base 81 of the attachment device 180 is modified to create a seat 87 for the key 20. As shown in FIG. 18, this key seat 87 accepts the key 20 which engages the protruding head 32 and neck 34 and thereby locks the connector 30 into the attachment device 180.

As shown in FIG. 19, the key 20 is comprised of two main parts: a fork 24 and a locking plate 22 that contains an opening or hole 26. The fork 24 slides into the key seat 87 of the attachment device 180 and engages the neck 32 of the connector. The fork 24 can therefore be configured to mate with the neck 32. Accordingly, while the neck 32—and therefore the matching surface of the fork 24—is circular, many other shapes could be used depending on the design requirements. When the key 20 is fully inserted, the base of the attachment device 180 is held from moving axially and is bound on one side by the spacer 38 (or base 40) and on the other side by the fork 24, which is in turn bound by the head 32 of the connector 30. The attachment device 180 is thereby prevented from rotating by the matching configuration (and friction) created between the inner surface of the opening 85 and outer surface of the shoulder 36.

The locking plate 22 of the key 20 is used to hold the key 20 in place to prevent the assembly from accidentally coming apart. As shown in FIG. 19, the locking plate 22 contains an opening or hole 26. While this hole 26 is circular, any shape could be used as long as it accommodates the head 32 of the connector 30. Thus, the hole 26 is given a substantially circular shape in the Figures since the head 32 of the connector 30 has a substantially circular shape. As the key 20 is slid into place to complete the assembly of the key 20 with the attachment device 180, the locking plate 22 flexes slightly to accommodate the head 32. When the key is fully inserted, the locking plate 22 snaps back into position and captures the head 32 within the hole 26 to lock the key 20 to the head 32 of the connector 30.

The key 20 can have any number of configurations that depend on the corresponding configuration of the attachment device 180. The key 20 can be configured so that when the portable device is connected to the object, the key 20 is located in and/or adjacent the desired portion of the attachment device 180. As well, the key 20 could be configured so that it locks on the retention mechanism instead of the connector to secure the key.

The connector 30 allows a portable device to be attached to—and used with—retaining mechanisms configured to accept the connector 30 (including conventional retaining mechanisms) and the modified attachment device. The connector 30 can be connected to the attachment device 180 and then be used to attach a portable device to various objects as depicted in FIGS. 7-16. With only a slight modification, the connector 30 can then be used to attach the portable device to a conventional retention mechanism. This slight modification comprises removing the key 20 and then removing the attachment device 180 from the connector 30. The portable device 100 can then be attached to the object by placing the head 32 in the corresponding recess 7 in the clip 1 (as described above).

The connector has several advantages. First, it allows a user to quickly and easily test different retention mechanisms and attachment devices, including different configurations, styles, and colors. Second, it allows a user to replace the retention mechanism and/or the attachment device should it break or should a different configuration or style be needed. Third, it gives the user the option of using different retention mechanisms and/or attachment devices if conditions warrant.

Having described the preferred aspects of the invention, it is understood that the invention defined by the appended claims is not to be limited by particular details set forth in the above description, as many apparent variations thereof are possible without departing from the spirit or scope thereof. 

1. A connector for connecting a portable device to an object, comprising: a first portion configured to be retained by a retaining mechanism on an object; and a second portion configured to engage a device that can be attached directly to the object.
 2. The connector of claim 1, further comprising a base portion configured to be attached to a portable device.
 3. The connector of claim 2, wherein the first portion comprises a male member adapted to fit within a female member of the retaining mechanism.
 4. The connector of claim 3, wherein the first portion is located at the distal end of the connector and the base portion is located at the proximal end of the connector.
 5. The connector of claim 2, wherein the base portion and the second portion are separated by a spacer.
 6. The connector of claim 5, wherein the attachment device comprises a base that engages the second portion of the connector and a hook portion that attaches directly to the object.
 7. The connector of claim 6, wherein the base comprises a female connection that matches a male connection in the second portion of the connector.
 8. The connector of claim 1, wherein the first portion and the second portion of the connector are separated by a spaced portion with a diameter smaller than the first portion and smaller than the second portion.
 9. The connector of claim 8, wherein the attachment device is held on the second portion of the connector by using securing means.
 10. The connector of claim 9, wherein the securing means comprises a member that engages the spaced portion.
 11. The connector of claim 10, wherein the engaging member has a diameter larger than the first portion and larger than the second portion.
 12. A connector for connecting a portable device to an object, comprising: a first portion configured to be retained by a retaining mechanism on an object; a second portion configured to engage a device that can be attached directly to the object; and a base portion configured to be attached to a portable device.
 13. The connector of claim 12, wherein the attachment device comprises a base that engages the second portion of the connector and a hook portion that attaches directly to the object.
 14. The connector of claim 13, wherein the first portion and the second portion are separated by a spaced portion with a diameter smaller than the first portion and the second portion.
 15. The connector of claim 14, wherein the attachment device is held on the second portion of the connector by using a member with a diameter larger than the first portion and the second portion.
 16. A system for connecting a portable device to an object, the system containing a connector comprising: a first portion configured to be retained by a retaining mechanism on an object; a second portion configured to engage a device that can be attached directly to the object; and a base portion configured to be attached to a portable device.
 17. The system of claim 16, wherein the first portion and the second portion for the connector are separated by a spaced portion with a diameter smaller than the first portion and the second portion, and the attachment device is held on the second portion of the connector by using a member with an inner diameter larger than the first and second portions.
 18. A method for making a connector for connecting a portable device to an object, the method comprising: providing a first portion configured to be retained by a retaining mechanism on an object; providing a second portion configured to engage a device that can be attached directly to the object; and providing a base portion configured to be attached to a portable device.
 19. The method of claim 18, including providing a spaced portion for separating the first portion and the second portion, the spaced portion having a diameter smaller than the first portion and the second portion.
 20. A method for connecting a connector to a portable device, the method comprising: providing a connector containing a first portion configured to be retained by a retaining mechanism on an object, a second portion configured to engage a device that can be attached directly to the object, and a base portion; and connecting the base portion to a portable device.
 21. A method for connecting a portable device to an object, the method comprising: providing a connector containing a first portion configured to be retained by a retaining mechanism on an object, a second portion configured to engage a device that can be attached directly to the object, and a base portion; connecting the base portion to a portable device; and retaining the first portion to an object by using the retaining mechanism.
 22. A method for connecting a portable device to an object, the method comprising: providing a connector containing: a first portion configured to be retained by a retaining mechanism on an object; a second portion configured to engage a device that can be attached directly to the object; a spaced portion for separating the first portion and the second portion of the connector, the spaced portion having a diameter smaller than the first and second portions; and a base portion; connecting the base portion to a portable device; holding the attachment device on the second portion of the connector by using a member with an inner diameter larger than the first and second portions; and attaching the attachment device to an object. 